Frequently asked questions

What is the Student Experience Survey (SES)?

The SES is designed to capture feedback about the total student experience at RMIT. The instrument contains a set of core questions as the base of the survey to systematically evaluate the teaching and learning experience.

The SES has a five point Likert scale and has two sections. The first section is about the Student Experience : questions about the program and the student; the second section is on Campus Life : questions about services, buildings and facilities.

The feedback is instrumental in ensuring the provision of essential support for university services within the Schools, Library, Property Services and Student Services.

What is the University Policy governing the SES?

The administration and reporting of the Student Experience Survey is governed by the RMIT Student Feedback Policy Student Feedback Policy

and the Privacy Policy RMIT Privacy Policy

When will the SES be delivered?

The SES will be delivered online only in Semester 2 each year.

The SES will be delivered online from Thursday, 15 September until Friday, 14 October 2011.

Versions are available for VET, Higher Education and Offshore programs.

What if my program is delivered offshore?

The SES is available to be delivered offshore online.

As I am studying for more than one year, will I be required to fill in a survey (i.e. the CES and SES) for each of my courses, for each year that I study?

Yes. From the first year to final year of study, we survey students studying in all programs/courses. We require the CES to be completed in both semesters, but the SES to be completed only in Semester 2.

I have only just started my program. Do I still need to complete the survey?

Yes, the survey is open for a period of time weeks. We will send you reminders and would appreciate if you could provide us with feedback before the final closing date of the survey.

Will I receive an email to alert me to when the SES is open?

Yes, the SSC sends an email invitation with a unique url to an individual student’s email account to complete the survey.

The web page froze when I was inserting the information. What can I do?

The survey is designed to save the information you have entered each time you progress to the next page, so when you do return to the survey, the information you have completed should be retained.

What do I do if I feel I do not know the answer to a question?

There is an ‘N/A’ response category, and further, there are qualitative questions where you can provide your feedback.

Can I receive a copy of the results?

Yes, the data from the surveys is analysed and electronic reports are generated for students’ to view on the SSC website at the end of each semester.

Do my teachers receive an individual electronic copy of the aggregated reports and written comments?

Results from the SES are aggregated to Program, School, College and University level for reporting purposes. No individuals are able to be identified.

Will I be able to distinguish between individual teachers/instructors when providing my feedback?

The SES asks you questions about your program. It is designed to capture the overall experience of your program, rather than focus on the strengths or weaknesses of individual teachers/instructors. Further, qualitative questions are included where additional feedback may be recorded.

Does RMIT University act on the feedback?

Yes, we take student feedback very seriously and use it for making improvements to your program of study and university facilities. This includes online resources, provision of longer library opening hours, additional outdoor lawn space and renovations to buildings.

How will the data be used?

SES results assist us to clearly identify priorities for improvements to Programs and to our overall services and educational offerings.

For further information, please contact Tim Brennan, timothy.brennan@rmit.edu.au,

ext : 59971 or Catherine Buchanan, Catherine.buchanan@rmit.edu.au, ext : 59716